The Best Torpedo Levels (Review & Buying Guide) in 2023

Starting with a useful design, this level provides users two ways to use it hands-free. Ideal for metal conduit bending, the level can be held in place using magnets – which are held in place with a special track – or the thumbscrew on the end. It’s also grooved on the bottom to make it rest on conduit or other round objects you’re trying to work on. Those two options make it ideal for a lot more than just conduits as well. Its bright orange coloring makes it easy to find in your toolbox as well as when it’s resting on whatever you’re trying to make level. At 9 inches long, the Klein Tools level boasts large, easy-to-read, high-visibility vials at four angles: level, 90, 45, and 30 degrees. It also can be read from the top, allowing for more readable angles.

There isn’t anything to not like about this level. However, it is designed to serve electricians best, and some features may limit its usefulness in other settings. Still, it makes an excellent addition to anyone’s tool box. 

Simple and inexpensive, this level gets the job done. The nine-inch level has tapered ends to make it fit into tool belts, tool pouches, or work pant pockets. It can also be used in tight spaces. The level has three vials that show level, plumb, and 45 degrees. It has a high-impact plastic frame that is non-conductive and non-corrosive, and with its bright orange color it's easy to spot. The Johnson Level has a V-groove on the bottom for use on pipe, conduit, or other round surfaces. It comes with a one-year warranty against defects in material and workmanship for one year after the confirmed purchase date. At its option, the company will replace or repair the product if it fails under normal use.

Despite its low price, this level is excellent. However, its durability is a bit lacking, and it will break easily. But you can easily replace it, which makes it hard to complain about.

Stabila is highly respected by many folks in the industry, and it only makes sense to include one of its products in our list. And yes, this is a full set, so we are technically cheating by including it. However, it does have a torpedo level making it worthy of coverage. The levels in this set all share one thing in common, and that’s an emphasis on precision and reliability. Premium vials and a fluorescent liquid ensure the most accurate reading, and they are firmly held in place to ensure long-term accuracy. Furthermore, the bodies rely on high-quality aluminum with ribs to increase durability. Plastic end caps and powder coating also help protect against impacts and preserve the tool over years of use.

No, this isn’t the most affordable toolset, which will deter many users. However, these are the kind of levels you will have for years and years. Therefore, it’s something the professional needs to consider.

Many torpedo levels are just a hair under 10-inches long. This entry measures 12 inches, and that can come in handy in several situations. The foot-long level has rubber caps on both ends to prevent scratches and to help keep it in place. The clear green acrylic vials with top views let you read plumb, level, and 45 degrees easily and quickly. Made of heavy-duty aluminum alloy, the frame is light and strong with a bright orange powder coating, ensuring accuracy and durability. The level also has a hanging hole for simple storage as well as markings for a rule, allowing you to use it to measure and level at the same time. Additionally, it comes with a two-year protection plan.

The real problem with this entry is quality control. Too many users report poor castings and construction for it to be overlooked. However, it’s still worth mentioning because it’s both affordable and offers additional length.

If you want a level that does more than just check the level, this is an ideal choice. It’s good for doing small hanging jobs, but it can also be used for installing shelving, laying flooring, hanging wallpaper, and more. In addition to the level, it has an eight-foot long tape measure that includes imperial and metric linear measures, with graduations down to 1/32 inches and 1mm. The laser light on the level has an on/switch. The triple-positioned leveling bubble works with the laser level to provide the most accurate results. Separate from the tape measure, one side of the 7.5-inch long level is also marked as a six-inch ruler. It comes ready to go with a 3 x AG 13 button-cell battery.

Accuracy limits this tool from seeing professional use. And while it’s a great concept, it’s best for quick jobs where precision isn’t critical. Also, the plastic body is fragile and not cut out for the abuse it will see on the typical job site.

This set solves a lot of problems, including the need for a good torpedo level. This set comes with a nine-inch level as well as 12- and 24-inch box-beam levels. The nine-inch torpedo spirit level features three strong button magnets on one side, making it ideal for construction, civil and agricultural applications. It is thin and made of lightweight metal, allowing it to be used in small spaces while remaining durable. It has high-visibility green bubbles to aid with visibility in tight spaces. There is one vertical vial, one horizontal vial on the torpedo level while the box-beam levels have three vials to measure level, plumb, and 45 degrees. The torpedo level has rubberized end caps protect against shock and comfort grips for ease of handling. 

These levels are shockingly good, considering the price. The only thing to complain about is overall durability. The metal body does a decent job of protecting itself, but a few bumps can cause severe damage.

Here we have another high-quality level you can score for a reasonable price. This is a great little level to keep in your tool belt, your tool box, or your pocket, no matter where you are working. It has a total of three vials to allow you to check pretty much anything for level, and it features a magnetic base. That means you can make measurements without shaky hands interfering with the accuracy. It also features a V-groove for use with pipes and round stock, and the top read vial allows you to use it in any position. It is constructed from extruded aluminum and features sturdy vial construction so that you don’t have to worry about it getting banged around while you work.

We can only take away points from this level because of some reports of poor manufacturing. A few problems are noted in the reviews regarding magnet strength and overall machining. However, it doesn’t appear to be a common issue, so you might not ever encounter problems with this option.

This entry is an option to consider if you need a few levels to perform quick tasks. The price is actually for three nine-inch torpedo levels, which makes this a deal that’s hard to pass up. The levels also feature pretty much everything you could expect from a higher dollar option. There are three vials on each, a magnetic base, and even a groove for measuring pipe or other round surfaces. You even have a top view angle to allow you to read the vial in virtually any position. The main body is constructed from plastic, but it does have a durable aluminum frame to protect it from abuse. There’s also a convenient hanging hole so you can safely store it on a pegboard or other hanging storage option.

The problem with this level is accuracy; it’s pretty much what can be expected from such a low-dollar option. Especially when plastic is used in construction, it’s still great for quick projects where small deviations aren’t going to matter.

Johnson may have taken our pick for Best Value, but that doesn't mean they only focus on budget-oriented tools. This is a laser level and gives you the ability to double-check accuracy in many ways. You can set it up to make sure your pipe is perfectly pitched from just one position. Or you can use it to ensure the bookshelf is on the money across the room. You can even make sure your lights are hanging right where they need to be. It's pretty handy when you use the laser function, but you can use it as a traditional torpedo level whenever you need to. It's got three different vials and a magnetic base, meaning it's pretty much the only torpedo level you'll need.

This tool does have its limitations and isn't something to use for unusually large projects. For use in average size rooms, it's perfect. Anything above average or for tasks such as building fences, accuracy becomes questionable.

Stabila is back again and happens to be our final entry. If you liked our first entry but are interested solely in the torpedo level, this is it. This level is going to over superior accuracy and reliability even through years of use. It has a rigid, die-cast frame that’s precision machining ensures a level surface. It also features a robust powder-coat finish to resist corrosion and abuse. The magnetic base uses a strong rare earth magnet to secure it to metallic surfaces and provide the most accurate readings. The vials themselves are also engineered with precision in mind to give you peace of mind. It’s also worth mentioning that the vials are virtually unbreakable, so you don’t have to worry about little bumps shattering them.

This model does not have a grooved base and can only take measurements from one side. 

These are essential factors to consider because it isn’t ideal for use with pipes or round surfaces. However, this isn’t necessarily a flaw because the tool was never intended for those uses.